Philip Billing scored a Zinedine Zidane-like volley as Jonathan Woodgate's Bournemouth claimed a huge scalp in their play-off tilt last night, swatting away promotion-chasing Swansea.
The Cherries entered the match five points adrift of the top six after an alarming slide since Jason Tindall's departure, but this was their best result and performance under Woodgate.
Woodgate's men started on top and took an early lead with a goal-of-the-season candidate. Arnaut Danjuma put an inswinging cross in from the right and Billing swung his left leg, getting a sweet connection to fire into the top-left corner.
There was no doubting the beauty of the finish but questions had to be asked of the Swansea back three, statistically the best defence in the division.
Dominic Solanke made a dart to the front post that occupied two defenders, leaving Billing with space in abundance to architect his strike.
The Cherries continued to have the better of the play without further working goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
But just before the break, Woodgate's side doubled their lead. Danjuma played in a venomous corner and Solanke missed the ball with his attempted header, but the ball hit young Swans defender Joel Latibeaudiere to deflect into the goal.
It was Latibeaudiere's last action, as Steve Cooper switched to a 4-3-3 formation for the second half, with Morgan Whittaker sent on as Swansea looked to commence a comeback attempt.
Bournemouth continued to threaten and Cameron Carter-Vickers might have put the game to bed on 55 minutes when he got on the end of another pinpoint Danjuma set-piece, only to see his power header spectacularly saved by Freddie Woodman.
Swansea attacked with more intent but Asmir Begovic did not make a save of note in the first hour.
He was finally called into action on 65 minutes after Whittaker unleashed a speculative left-footed shot from distance that looked certain to nestle into the top corner until the Bosnian sprung out a hand at full stretch.
Whittaker had another chance on 76 minutes as he got on the end of a Ryan Manning cross and forced a fine reflex save from Begovic.
Danjuma got a goal of his own to complete an imperious attacking display, with a powerful and precise left-footed finish to take his tally into double figures for the season.
Woodgate turned to hug his staff members. Perhaps he knew that this win could be more than just three points - it could be a huge injection of confidence ahead of their play-off push.
kruz8080
1
conquer them and joint pl competitions again